Apple reportedly seeks partnership with Intel and Samsung to build chips in the US

Apple has been gradually shifting its production away from China and Taiwan in recent years, with a growing focus on manufacturing in the United States. As part of this strategy, the iPhone maker is reportedly in talks with Intel and Samsung to use their US-based production facilities for processor manufacturing.

According to a new Bloomberg report, Apple has been engaged in “exploratory” discussions with Intel and Samsung regarding chip manufacturing in the US. People familiar with the matter told Bloomberg that talks with Intel are still in the early stages, and nothing has been finalized yet. Meanwhile, Apple executives have visited a Samsung chip manufacturing plant in Texas, even though the facility is still under development.

Apple has long relied on Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) to produce its chips. TSMC also operates a manufacturing plant in Arizona, which is now producing A-series chips for iPhones. But moving away from TSMC won’t be easy for Apple. The iPhone maker reportedly has concerns about relying on Intel and Samsung to manufacture its in-house chips.

There are three main reasons why Apple wants to reduce its reliance on TSMC for chip manufacturing: geopolitical tensions between China and the United States over Taiwan, bringing production to the US as part of the company’s $600 billion investment commitment under Trump’s presidency, and safeguarding its supply chain from disruptions caused by massive demand from AI firms.

Tech giants have poured tens of billions of dollars into building new data centers, leading to a significant shortage in the RAM and memory markets. A Samsung executive recently suggested that the shortage might persist until 2027 or even beyond, as production capacity still cannot meet demand.

Rising RAM and memory prices have also impacted Apple, to the extent that some tipsters suggest the iPhone 18 might be downgraded to help the company maintain its price point.